5 Things You DON’T Need on Your Baby Registry

The industry devoted to “baby stuff” is making a killing off of new parents who don’t know what they will and won’t use when they have a baby. And like every parent, I went through trial and error to find the things that I love. I even used a few different things with each kid, because I found a new product I loved, or brainstormed an easier way to get a task done. But either way, there are a few things that you just will not need, no matter what. I’m not saying you wouldn’t use it if you got it, but if you’re in a spot where you’d like to save money, you can cross these things off your list.

Newborn shoes and coats. Your newborn will spend most of their time swaddled, in blankets, in fleecy suits that cover their feet, or sleep sacks. You don’t need baby Pumas or a baby North Face to keep them warm. And you can’t let them wear puffy coats in their car seat anyway.

A “Peepee Teepee”. If your little boy is going to pee during a diaper change, this thing isn’t going to save you. You have to have ninja reflexes to keep yourself from getting soaked if he pees without his diaper on. (As an unfortunate aside, girls can somehow soak you, too!)

Diaper Genie (or similar). Any trash can with a lid will do. Or you can do what we do: just take them outside to the bin. Yes, I’m sorry, but there will be diapers you’ll want to take straight outside.

Bottle warmer. It sounds nice in theory, but wouldn’t the warm water from your faucet warm a bottle just fine? Or put the bottle in a pot of water on the stove, and warm it that way. I’ve found that bottle warmers aren’t any faster. It’s basically just money a person could spend on diapers.

Changing Table. Just put that changing pad on top of the dresser, and boom! More storage, and less furniture you’ll just get rid of when they’re three. You might change half the diapers on the nearest surface, anyway.

This might seem cold, but it’s like I said: when you’re counting the dollars you’re spending, these are just a few unnecessary things. What are some things that you would add to this list? Did you get any shower gifts that you absolutely never used?

6 thoughts on “5 Things You DON’T Need on Your Baby Registry”

  1. We received 17 million blankets — knit, crocheted, flannel. And we quickly realized that swaddling sleepsacks were the way to go. (Plus we were told when we had baby #2 they now advise against swaddling). We use some of them now rolled up to prop up Madeline’s casts (though hand towels work better), but most just became spitup cloths (or rags).

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  2. When I was pregnant with my first son, I got a rubber ducky that informed you if the bath water was too hot…. Ummm. That’s why Jesus made elbows. They’re the perfect bath temp checkers!

    Have you seen the diaper cream applicators?? They will sell anything! Lol

    But as parents, we totally buy these things because we want the best for our kids. We would do anything (and obviously buy anything 😂) for them!

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